The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Paper 2 exams have been conducted successfully, and the provisional answer key has now been released by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Candidates who appeared for the B.Arch and B.Planning papers can now access their answer sheets, verify their responses, and raise objections if they find discrepancies. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover all essential details regarding the release of the answer keys, the objection process, and how to estimate your scores.
JEE Main 2026 Paper 2 Provisional Answer Key: Overview and Important Details
The JEE Main 2026 session 1 for Paper 2, which includes B.Arch (Paper 2A) and B.Planning (Paper 2B), has seen the release of the provisional answer key. This key helps aspirants compare their recorded responses and estimate their probable scores before the official results are declared. Below are the key highlights:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Addressed Papers | Paper 2A (B.Arch) & Paper 2B (B.Planning) |
| Answer Key Status | Provisional answer key and recorded responses released |
| Online Access | At jeemain.nta.nic.in |
| Objection Window | Open until February 20, 2026, 11:50 PM |
| Official Downloads | Download Provisional Answer Key & Responses |
How to Access and Download the JEE Main 2026 Paper 2 Answer Keys
To access your provisional answer key and response sheet, follow the steps below:
Step-by-step Guide:
- Visit the official JEE Main website: jeemain.nta.nic.in
- Click on the link titled “Answer Key / Recorded Responses” on the homepage.
- Select “Session 1 – January 2026” and choose either Paper 2A (B.Arch) or Paper 2B (B.Planning).
- Log in using your Application Number and Password or Date of Birth.
- Download your provisional answer key along with the recorded responses.
- Save these documents securely for further reference and to prepare for challenge submissions.
Understanding the Objection / Challenge Process
After reviewing the provisional answer key, candidates may find questions they believe have been marked incorrectly. NTA provides a window for raising objections for such discrepancies, ensuring transparency and fairness in the evaluation process.
Steps to Challenge the Answer Key:
- Log in to the candidate portal using your credentials.
- Select the question(s) you want to challenge and specify the correct answer if you disagree with the provisional key.
- Support your challenge with relevant documents or references.
- Pay a non-refundable fee of ₹200 per question via online payment methods (debit/credit card, net banking).
- Submit your objection before the deadline—February 20, 2026, at 11:50 PM.
Important Notes:
- The NTA reviews only paid challenges. If your challenge is accepted, the answer key will be revised accordingly.
- The decision of NTA regarding challenges is final and no further correspondence or re-challenges will be entertained.
- The final answer key, post-judgment, will be used for result calculation and declaration.
Crucial Dates and Deadlines
Candidates must adhere to the timeline for submitting objections to ensure their challenges are considered:
- Start of objection window: Along with the provisional answer key release
- Closing date: February 20, 2026, at 11:50 PM
It is advisable not to wait until the last minute to submit challenges, as heavy traffic may cause technical issues. Moreover, timely submission ensures that your concerns are addressed appropriately.
Estimating Your Score Using the Answer Key
Once you’ve downloaded your response sheet and provisional answer key, you can calculate your probable raw score based on your responses. This estimation helps in understanding your potential rank and the likelihood of qualifying for further admission processes.
Steps to Calculate Estimated Score:
- Compare your responses with the answer key for each question.
- Assign marks as per the marking scheme:
- Correct answer: +4 marks
- Incorrect MCQ answer: -1 mark
- Numerical questions (if applicable): no negative marking
- Sum the total marks to obtain your raw score.
- Remember, percentile and rank are normalized across shifts and are announced along with the final results.
Note:
The actual final results may vary from this estimate. The official result declaration will be based on the official answer key revised after considering all objections.
Additional Resources and Important Links
| Resource Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Download Provisional Answer Key & Responses | Download Now |
| Candidate Login Portal | Candidate Login |
| Official Website | jeemain.nta.nic.in |
| Official PDF Guide (if available) | Download PDF Guide |
| Final Result Declaration (Expected link) | Will be updated here once announced |
Conclusion
The release of the provisional answer key for JEE Main 2026 Paper 2 marks a critical phase in the examination cycle, offering aspirants an opportunity to evaluate their performance and seek rectifications if needed. Ensuring timely access to the answer key, understanding the challenge process, and accurately estimating scores can help students strategize their next steps effectively. Candidates are encouraged to stay updated with official notifications and complete their objections within the stipulated deadline for a fair evaluation process.
Remember, the final official results will be announced after the evaluation of challenges, and candidates should prepare themselves for subsequent admission procedures based on their scores.